Both Central and Haverhill Elementary Schools were awarded for their excellent design.

The Portage Public Schools projects, which were designed in partnership with Fielding International, were both named in the 2026 Learning by Design Magazine’s Fall 2026 Architecture and Interior Design Awards of Excellence.

Both schools were designed to support modern instructional practices–leaving behind traditional classrooms in favor of interconnected learning communities. The District aligned educational vision, community engagement, and facility design to create learning environments that better reflect how students learn today.

READ MORE: How Educational Vision Reimagined Facilities at Portage Schools

Central Elementary School received a Citation of Excellence – Under 100,000 sq. ft. Award, honoring its high standard for contemporary learning-space design, innovation, and planning. Central Elementary was selected as one of 14 top award-winning facilities from a field of 75 entries. The project exemplifies qualities that educators and design professionals nationwide can replicate, Learning by Design leaders said.

“The design transforms traditional classrooms into collaborative learning communities through thoughtful planning, strong daylighting, and varied breakout spaces,” the jury said. “The ‘Central Park’ concept creates a cohesive experience through organic forms, sensory-responsive interiors, and a warm material palette. Durable finishes and flexible furnishings reinforce long-term value.”

Haverhill Elementary School was awarded an Outstanding Project Award for its example of innovative educational design. Serving a family-centric, community-oriented demographic, the design transitions traditional, isolated classrooms into collaborative, interconnected grade-level learning studios. Embracing its stunning, mature wooded backdrop, the building beautifully integrates with its site through a steel-frame structural system and a high-performance brick masonry and glass envelope. Notable design innovations include biophilic features such as organic forms, a distinctive glass corner wall to maximize daylight harvesting, and mango-colored accent bricks that bridge the built environment and nature.

The project incorporates next-generation learning environments and planning strategies that demonstrate best practices worthy of consideration and replication by educators, architects, and other professionals responsible for the design and operation of learning spaces, the Learning by Design jury said.

“The project demonstrates how research can directly shape design. Prototype classrooms, furniture testing, and educator workshops provided valuable feedback that informed the final solution, with careful attention to proportion, daylight, visibility, and student and staff needs. The ‘Tree City USA’ concept is authentic and thoughtfully integrated without becoming literal. From the Gathering Stair and Treehouse to the Greenhouse learning studios, biophilic materials, and color-blocked ceilings, the concept creates a warm, memorable connection to nature.”

READ MORE: How Furniture Became a Tool for Learning at Portage Schools